The landlord discovered we had my mom's dog staying with us at the home illegally, one week before we were supposed to move out. The landlords indicated it was okay for us to have two cats so we didn't think our sweet old dog would be an issue.
Apparently, it was a very large issue. We were on great terms w the owners before they discovered the dog-which, we removed from the home within hours of their request.
They immediately became vengeful and sent us a list of unreasonable demands that must be done prior to move out, or they would deduct from our security deposit. Please keep in mind, we had housekeepers twice a month, 2.5 out of the 3 years we lived in the house... it was spotless! (no animal damange at all!)
We did most of the items they asked of us,hoping cooperation would help us get our $3300 deposit back.
We did an initial ispection at move out (w the mgmt company they hired to find new tenants). The owners actually live in Costa Rica but had been managing us from a distance. They also indicated that they would be back on the 17th to do THEIR final inspection. They mailed our deposit back on the 21st, as they were told. However, on the 22nd, we received an email stating that they stop payment on the deposit they mailed the day before because they had just discovered a hole in the fence they assumed our dog made?? (p.s. there fence is rotting.. they've had to replace portions of it during our stay)
She said it would take her a few weeks to get quotes and that they would send us some sort of breakdown in a few days?
We did receive the deposit check on the 22nd, minus $500 (with no itemized breakdown or receipts).
Regardless, she indicated she put a stop payment on the check before we even received it. So, wouldn't that be a clear violation of the law?
We sent them an email asking that they please return our security deposit. They never responded. I'm at a loss..